According to sources, the Red Devils are prepared to table an annual net salary of €12 million (£10 million) for the 21-year-old Spanish left-back, a figure that would catapult him past all competitors to become the highest-paid full-back in the sport’s history.
This audacious bid underscores United’s determination to reinforce their defense, an area that has faced scrutiny under manager Ruben Amorim’s tenure, as the club seeks to reclaim its status among the Premier League elite.
Balde, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, has emerged as a cornerstone of the Catalan side since breaking into the first team.
This season alone, he has featured in 31 matches across all competitions, notching one goal and six assists while showcasing his versatility and dynamism. His ability to bomb down the flank with blistering pace, deliver pinpoint crosses, and hold his own defensively has drawn comparisons to modern full-back greats.
For United, Balde represents a potential upgrade over current options like Luke Shaw, who has battled persistent injuries, and Tyrell Malacia, who has fallen out of favor and was recently loaned out. Amorim, known for his tactical preference for a 3-4-2-1 system, sees Balde as an ideal fit—capable of excelling as both a left-back and a wing-back.
The proposed €12 million net salary—equating to roughly £192,000 per week after tax—dwarfs the earnings of other top full-backs like Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold or Real Madrid’s Alphonso Davies, signaling United’s willingness to flex their financial muscle. However, prising Balde away from Barcelona won’t be straightforward.
His contract runs until 2028, and with a reported €1 billion (£828 million) release clause, any deal would require a substantial transfer fee. Barcelona’s ongoing financial woes could force their hand, but manager Hansi Flick has publicly praised Balde’s “irreplaceable” impact, hinting at resistance to a sale.
Speculation around the transfer has ignited debate among fans and pundits. Some see it as a statement of intent from United, who have already splashed out on young talent like Patrick Dorgu this year. Others question whether such a lavish salary for a 21-year-old, albeit a prodigy, aligns with sustainable squad building.
Posts on X reflect a mix of excitement and skepticism, with some fans hailing Balde’s potential to transform United’s backline, while others wonder if the club’s focus should lie elsewhere. As the summer window looms, this blockbuster move could define United’s ambitions—and test Barcelona’s resolve.
